BDL 2020 Week 4 - Berlin Blitzkrieg @ New Orleans Jazz

[rackcs]

BDL 2020 Week 4

Match: Berlin Blitzkrieg @ New Orleans Jazz

Away Owner: @Ragnarok

Home Owner: @WFLukic

 

Vote for who you think would win the game.

Rules:
One vote per person, duplicate accounts will be banned and action taken against those attempting to rig the results.

One vote per team involved in the match. Co-owners may vote in every match up except their own.

For members, who have been following along, and wish to vote.  Please join the conversation and maybe give a reason you voted as you did. This will alleviate any suspicions of unusual voting and will promote discussion.

Note: Players that have a (D) next to their name indicate that they are doubtful or unlikely to play. Players with (Q) are game-time decisions.

Good luck to you both

Edited October 4, 2020 by rackcs

[rackcs]

Berlin Blitzkrieg
QB - Aaron Rodgers
RB - Aaron Jones
WR - Odell Beckham Jr
WR - Marquise Brown
WR - Brandon Aiyuk
TE - Hunter Henry
LT - Kolton Miller
LG - Solomon Kindley
C - Corey Linsley
RG - Alex Cappa
RT - Tristan Wirfs

RB - Dare Ogunbowale
RB - Anthony McFarland
TE - Jordan Akins
TE - Irv Smith
WR - MVS
WR - Christian Kirk
OL - Taylor Moton
OL - Trey Hopkins

DE - Za’Darius Smith
DT - Sheldon Rankins
NT - Derrick Brown
DT - Quinnen Williams
DE - DeMarcus Lawrence
LB - Tremaine Edmunds
LB - Rashaan Evans
RCB - Rock Ya-Sin
LCB - Kendall Fuller
S - Antoine Winfield Jr
S - Juan Thornhill

DE - Lorenzo Carter
DE - Trey Hendrickson
DT - Da’Shawn Hand
DT - Kingsley Keke
LB - Ja’whuan Bentley
CB - Byron Murphy
CB/S - Damontae Kazee
CB/S - Lamarcus Joyner

New Orleans Jazz

Offense:

QB: Josh Allen
RB1: Melvin Gordon
WR1: DJ Moore
WR2: John Brown
WR3: Deebo Samuel
TE: Tyler Higbee
LT: Taylor Decker
LG: Joel Bitonio
C.: Alex Mack
RG: Justin Pugh
RT: Mitchell Schwartz

RB2: David Johnson
RB3: Devin Singletary
RB4/WR5: Nyheim Hines
WR4: Kenny Stills
TE2: Zach Ertz
TE3: Mike Gesicki
OL6: Jonah Williams
OL7: Austin Corbett

Defense:

DE: Josh Allen
DT: Shelby Harris
DT: Jeffery Simmons
DE: Justin Houston
LB: Alexander Johnson
LB: Shaq Thompson
CB: Stephon Gilmore
CB: James Bradberry
CB: JC Jackson
SS: Micah Hyde
FS: Kevin Byard

DE3: Chase Winovich
DE4: Benson Mayowa
DT3: Christian Wilkins
DT4: McTelvin Agim
LB3: Danny Trevathan
DB6: Kareem Jackson
DB7: Cameron Dantzler
DB8: Tre Herndon

[rackcs]

Berlin Blitzkrieg

Offense

Overview - We will be in shotgun around 60% of the time to give Rodgers time to read the defense.  That said, when we are under center, Rodgers will be extending the ball to Jones(and some McFarland) almost every time.  Whether he hands it off or goes playaction remains to be seen.  But Rodgers has been way too good on playaction for us not use it frequently.  To be clear, this does not mean we will not run from shotgun or never use playaction from shotgun, but it will be less common.

OL - With Casey out for the year, we are going to trust our OTs to handle their men and make sure that Jeffery Simmons is doubled every play.  Whoever NO uses to replace Casey will not be as good, so we think Cappa or Kindley can handle the replacement while Linsley helps the other OG with Simmons who is a legit, although infected, beast.  We are going to use this double team to our benefit on run plays so one of those guys can scrape up to a linebacker.

Run Game - Aaron Jones is our dude.  We plan on giving him around 25 touches.  Maybe a bit more in the pass game than usual due to us wanting to use more shotgun.  Under center, we want to use a lot of stretch runs as we think our OTs have a distinct advantage against their edge guys in the run game(this will build into our playaction), but will sprinkle in a few inside runs and couple tosses just to keep the defense honest.  This should also give Jones cut back lanes later in the game.  We will also fake the handoff, look like we are going downfield, and give Jones a screen at least twice to see if we can get the DL to bite.  In shotgun, look for more draws or even a quick toss outside, but we will still run stretch plays where Jones is lined up next to Rodgers and comes across his face to take the handoff.  This will also serve as our playaction action in shotgun.  McFarland is going to get 15 or so snaps this week, mostly to give Jones a breather, but we will give him opportunities to carry and catch the ball same as Jones.

Pass Game - Our stretch runs and subsequent playaction is designed to force the linebackers and corners to respect the run and not just bail out.  We trust our OL to give Rodgers time to carry out playaction, run around, and play some backyard football if need be.  Oh, and when Rodgers gets them to jump offsides with a hard count, we will go deep.

3 WR - Hollywood and OBJ will be on the outside.  Both OBJ and Hollywood can go deep or work underneath and they will do both all game.  We do not want the CBs on them to have any indication what type of route they are running.  We aren’t shying away from either side.  If we get cover 1, we will try to push the ball down the sideline.  Byard is good, but even he can’t get to either sideline that fast.

Aiyuk gets his first BDL start from the slot.  We want him to give Rodgers quick underneath routes where Aiyuk can do what he does best and get YAC.  We will also use him on a a few jet screen motions where we might hand him the ball or use the motion to pull NO out of position for a nice, easy pass completion back the other way.  That said, there will be a couple times where we have Brown and OBJ run middle out routes or crossers to suck up the safeties and let Aiyuk see if he can split those safeties for a big gain.

Henry will get a bit more use in the run game as he will help the OT seal the edge before moving up to a linebacker or safety.  He will also chip the edge before going out on a pass route so his behavior looks the same.  Look for us to target him out in the flat after playaction for easy completions.  He will also push down the seam against the slower Johnson or smaller Thompson.  We will still have him split out on occasion to lighten the box and to serve as a blocker if we run a WR screen to that side.

Jones will be used on some screens here to slow their pass rush.  We will also split him out wide a few plays to force a LB to cover him in space.

4 WR - We will use this around 15% of the snaps with MVS/Kirk coming in for Henry and OBJ moving to the slot.  We will be in shotgun here and Jones will typically stay in to help block.  We want to give our WRs time to get open against a talented secondary.  We will leak Jones out into the flat on occasion as a check down.  Rodgers running is also a strong possibility.

2 TE - We will use this between 10% in short yardage and goalline situations with Irv in for Aiyuk.  He will move around the formation and serve more of a FB role, but also release into the flat on play action.  We will also line up Irv, Henry, and OBJ in a bunch formation to one side and either throw a quick WR screen to OBJ or look the other way if Hollywood has a one-on-one match up.

5 WR - In hurry up situations, we will have OBJ, Hollywood, Aiyuk, Kirk, and MVS all on the field, put Rodgers in shotgun, and just let them run.  Rodgers will serve as our run game here.

Defense

Overview - We finally have our defense at full strength.  Against their 2 TE set, we are going to use 3-4 and 4-3 to 1. give the young QB different looks and 2. gives guys rest.

Base - Rock gets Brown and Kendall gets Moore all over the field.  If it’s Deebo and Moore, then Kendall gets Deebo and Rock gets Moore.  Thornhill is going to sit deep middle, sometimes shading towards Moore as he is the greater deep threat.

Winfield is going to play up as we will put 8 in the box against their two TE set as an extra body against the run.  In the pass game, he will sit in a middle zone, help bracket a TE, spy Allen, spy the RB, blitz, slide to Deebo’s side to help bracket him, and serve as a general annoyance to Allen.

Our linebackers will initially drop into middle zones to defend against the TEs.  That way, they can follow the TE to their side if he pushes down the seam or breaks on an out route, while they can pass off the TE if he comes across to the other backer.  This will also allow them to watch the run game and Allen so they can come up and make the tackle.

3-4 Base - This will serve as more of a 4-3 over with DLaw having his hand in the dirt and Z serving a number of roles.  This set will also give us 3 DL that can move very well up and down the line to defend against the run and chase down Allen.  Z will rush from the outside like it’s a 5-2, slide to the middle of the defense to attack the interior, purposely bullrush the TE to his side on passing downs to remove that TE from the play, and even occasionally dropping into zone to help keep on eye on Allen and the passing game.

4-3 - Bentley comes in for one of our DL and slots in at MLB.  Our front four gets pressure while Bentley spies Allen, Winfield spies the RB, and our other LBs take the TEs in man coverage.  Bentley or Winfield will come on delayed blitzes at times, with the one not blitzing taking the RB in coverage.

Nickel - Byron comes in for a front 7 player and takes Moore with Kendall taking Deebo and Rock taking Brown.  We would play more Cover-3 here with the outside corners and Thornhill taking deep thirds.  Winfield would play up to give us a man in the box before dropping into a middle zone with one of the LBers while the NB and other LBer would take the flats.  This gives us an extra body in the box, defends the deep ball, and keeps everyone facing towards Allen.  We will mix in man Cover-1 on a consistent basis depending on down and distance.

Dime - Joyner would come in for Rashaan and take the other slot.  We would stick with the same Cover-3/Cover-1 concepts as in nickel.

New Orleans Jazz

Offense:

1RB-3WR-1TE Base – 65% Pass, 35% Run:

The return of Deebo Samuel is a rather timely one as we’re going with a heavy focus on the passing game to attack a Berlin defense which boasts a solid front 7, but a vulnerable secondary. Our plan is to give Allen full command of his offense as he’s proven he’s not only an incredible threat as a runner, but is also developing into one of the premier passers in the league. We plan to attack Berlin all over the field and at every different level, with Allen to do the damage with both his arms and legs while the running back group get to take advantage of their ability as receivers.

As usual, we’ll rotate in the backfield while at WR Samuel will largely operate out of the slot, Brown as a deeper threat and Moore all over, while Higbee will draw the start for his superiority as a blocker though Ertz will see his share of snaps and targets too.

Split Berlin Out / Empty Backfield:

-       We intend to run a substantial number of plays with an empty backfield, whether this involves the running back motioning out to receiver (we’re comfortable with any of Gordon, Johnson or Singletary doing so given they’re all competent receivers) or with the running back subbed out.

-       Where the running back is subbed out, it will generally be in 3 WR – 2 TE sets or 4 WR – 1 TE sets, however in some of the 4 WR sets both Gesicki and Ertz will get opportunities to be split out wide as receivers (with Higbee remaining in-line). By doing so, our plan is to either get Gesicki or Ertz matched up on defensive backs who they’ll be able to outmuscle physically, or draw away Berlin’s linebackers from the middle of the field.

-       By drawing Berlin’s linebackers away from the field, this will either give Allen space to take off and run or look to the middle of the field and hit Samuel or Moore on crossing routes or out of the backfield and let them do damage after the catch.

No Huddle with Samuel & Moore at RB (Moore – Samuel – Brown – Ertz – Higbee Grouping)

-       Another wrinkle we’re going to throw into these empty backfield looks as alluded to above, is that Samuel and Moore will line up at WR and motion into the backfield, line up in the backfield and motion to the line or simply stay put at RB.

-       While neither of these guys are able to play as a full-time RB, they have proven to be two of the best ball carriers at the receiver position and with Allen, will provide a legitimate running threat while also being able to keep the same personnel on the field in the no huddle.

-       By keeping in the no huddle but moving our pieces around, we’ll be able to put an enormous amount of pressure on an inexperienced Berlin back 7 and hopefully with miscommunications and blown assignments, pick up some large gains.

Options & Play-Action:

-       When the running backs are in, as usual we’ll run a fair amount of play-action to get Allen outside of the pocket and throwing on the run where he does his best work. Knowing that at least one linebacker will follow the running back, and another linebacker or safety will be spying on Allen as a runner, there’ll be opportunities for Allen to hit a TE on an out route or a crossing receiver.

-       Additionally, with Berlin offering a stout defensive front, option plays with Allen and the RB getting on the outside will form part of the plan with Allen given the option to keep it or pitch.

 

Defense:

While Berlin has one of the best quarterbacks of all time in the backfield along with one of the form running backs in the league, we feel confident we’ve got the troops to slow down this offense, limit the big plays down the field and the number of big drives they’re able to make.

Cover 1 Man - Coverage Assignments:

-       As almost always is the case, we’re going to roll out with our standard cover-1 man coverage. The assignments will be as follows:

Gilmore – Beckham Jr
Bradberry – Aiyuk/Valdes-Scantling (FOH with this MVS business for a sorry-*** mediocre receiver)
J.C. Jackson – Brown
Thompson/Johnson – Henry
Hyde (closer to LOS) – Jones/Running-back

-       Should Berlin go 4 wide, Kareem Jackson will come in for Thompson or Johnson (with the remaining LB taking Henry) and Hyde will move to the slot to take the 4^th WR with Jackson taking over the RB duties while if Berlin go with a 2 TE set, J.C Jackson will sub out for Kareem who’ll play up closer to the LOS with Hyde while the two LBs take the TEs.

-       Given the threat that both Beckham and Brown pose deep, Byard will remain as the single high safety.

Pressure Rodgers:

-       Given Rodgers throws interceptions at a historically low rate and if he has a weakness, it’s his propensity to hold onto the ball, we feel our best shot at slowing down the Berlin offense will be through generating pressure against an inexperienced, middling offensive line and being able to ruin drives by either getting sacks or drawing holding penalties.

-       Given Allen and Simmons receive a number of double teams, we feel comfortable that we’ll be able to generate pressure on 4 man rushes, however we plan to also plan to rush 5 on a few occasions (5-10). This will see Winovich sometimes subbed in for Thompson or Johnson and working as a LEO off the edge outside of either Houston or Allen.

-       Separately, where Winovich doesn’t come in, the free LBer or Hyde (or both) will occasionally be used as blitzers (with the free LBer taking Jones in the event Hyde blitzes) to help generate this pressure (5ish blitzes).

[VigilantZombie]

Both gameplams were really good, unfortunately prior to this game Jeffery Simmons was put on the Covid list so for all intents and purposes it'll be Wilkins filling his spot imo.

Without Thomas on the field I just don't see the Jazz being able to keep pass with their passing game.  They will be able to have some success on the ground but I don't think Gordon has near the success against this front as he did against the absolutely horrendous Jets. I also think Aaron Rodgers and Aaron Jones will have a huge impact on the outcome of this game.

The weapons available for Josh Allen are just not up to the level he needs to succeed.

31-16 Berlin

[SirA1]

Why did I trade Godgers again?

Berlin 35 - 17

[Scoundrel]

1 minute ago, SirA1 said:

Why did I trade Godgers again?

Berlin 35 - 17

Why did I trade him to you?

[Scoundrel]

I think this is a close one. 28-24 Berlin behind the arm of Rodgers. I really like the well oiled machine of the Berlin Offense. I do think the New Orleans dline slows down some of what Berlin wants to do in the run game but its not enough.

[Blue]

I think you could put God himself on the field as the 12th man for the entire game and Rodgers would still chew the defense apart the way he's been going.

[Jlash]

I like that both offenses plan on getting their QB's out of the pocket, because they're both pretty nasty there. Berlin has superior weapons on offense right, but NO has much better players in the secondary IMO. What this comes down to is even though I think it's kind of cool what NO wants to do with Moore and Deebo, because it makes sense, is that Berlin is trotting out a heavy set as their base defense and that can combat a lot of the running out of the backfield that NO wants to do with these WR's. I think this would be a very very high scoring affair, but Berlin takes it.

[pheltzbahr]

I like both of these game plans a lot, very different from the last game I voted on.  Lukic has a way of attacking weaknesses like few in this league and I think he exploit's Berlin's to his advantage, namely the offensive line (which rags is unsurprisingly overrating - they're ok to good with 2 starting rookies) and secondary.  Can Allen and friends keep up with Godgers though?  I just don't think the Jazz have elite enough playmakers on offense, but think this is a highlight reel game overall.  Berlin in a thriller.

[TedLavie]

Top top matchup - both in terms of roster quality and gameplanning. Credits to both of you Lukic and Rags.

I think Lukic attacking the depth of Berlin secondary which I think might be the weaker spot (and compared to other rosters that's harsh) of this team with creativity is the difference here. 35-34 NOLA in one of the games of the year

[RuskieTitan]

I think that the Jazz do a stellar job, but come up just short.

[MD4L]

This was the game of the week. I think Rodgers has a steady game but I really like the way New Orleans game planned for the Berlin defense and think the new wrinkles plus Berlins main focus on 2 TEs leads to Deebo and moreso DJ Moore to go off. In an impressive comeback and high scoring affair, Josh Allen leads the Jazz to a 38-34 victory.

[WFLukic]

Gg @Ragnarok. Great team you've got and deserved victory.

Looking forward to a potential rematch in December.

[Ragnarok]

25 minutes ago, WFLukic said:

Gg @Ragnarok. Great team you've got and deserved victory.

Looking forward to a potential rematch in December.

You as well.  I expect next time will be just as difficult.